It is difficult to process what has happened this past week and I am truly saddened that our community and our country stand – unfortunately – in a place that is all too familiar.

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all who have lost their lives this week, last month and over many months leading to today.

Last night, many went to bed feeling angry, sad and fearful. This morning was not very different. We are at a critical time and how we as a community decide to react will determine our future.

I am asking each of you to work with me and with our campus community to say enough. Enough violence. Enough hate. Enough pretending that there is no problem. Enough anger. Enough fear. Enough. We must learn to share the injustices we see with each other, not take action into our own hands. We need to work together for what is right.

Each of us has an opportunity to make positive change and to heal, to have those conversations that may be uncomfortable at first, but can yield understanding and hope. We are not perfect, but together, we can make change on our campus and work toward the inclusive and respectful community and world that we envision. This is not about tolerance. This is about honest steps toward true understanding and acceptance of differences that each of us brings.

Over the next few weeks, I will bring together leaders from among our students, faculty and staff to thoughtfully develop opportunities to gather and discuss what is in our hearts as it relates to the tragic events and senseless violence that have become part of our daily lives. I encourage other groups to host conversations and share their ideas for how to best address these issues as well. I hope these discussions will bring hope and even solutions that we can all work toward. We will then build on the work through the summer into fall quarter to expand our programs and support as our communities work toward healing.

In the meantime, there will be an event on Tuesday, July 12, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Processing for Peace will be held at Husky Village Community Center. This is a time and safe place organized by Residential Life for students and the campus community to grieve and process this time of great loss.

I also encourage you to take advantage of the following resources to help you.